U16 Boys
Ulster 1-5 Leinster
The first of the day’s two fixtures in Portrane played out in bright sunshine. Leinster dominated the first half with goals from Alfie LeQuesne and Toby Slye OConnell. Leinster missed a stroke to give them a 3-0 lead before Ulster’s Isaac Kelso pulled one back to leave the score 2-1 at half-time. Ulster came into quarter 3 with confidence and momentum but were unable to create many chances as the score remained 2-1 heading into the final quarter. Leinster took back control in the final quarter and after having an early shot hit the post Jake Fulton extended the Leinster lead to 3-1 mid-way through the final quarter after being set up by Alfie LeQuesne who powered through the centre of the pitch to lay it off. Shortly after Ulster pulled their keeper Leinster won a short corner and Alfie LeQuesne made no mistake with his 2nd goal. A final score from Riagen Dunne gave Leinster a 5-1 win – again into an empty net.
Leinster won the penalty shoot-out 4-3, so keep the advantage should both teams end the series on equal points.
U18 Boys
Ulster 4-2 Leinster
The first half was a very even game. Leinster scored to take the lead through a Jack Geraghty strike from the top of the circle in the first quarter. Ulster came back and scored 2, putting George Palmer and Mathew McAreavey on the board. In q2 a Zach Silverman deflection brought Leinster back to 2-2 before Ulster’s Ethan Clothworthy scored to leave Ulster 3-2 going into the half-time break. Ulster had the upper hand in Q3 but no further scores. Leinster pulled their keeper in Q4 in search of an equaliser before conceding a 4th goal on the final whistle, scored by Joshua Baird. Final score Leinster 2-4 Ulster.
Ulster won the penalty shootout 4-2 and therefore have an advantage should both teams end the series on equal points.
Current standing at the halfway point (3 matches played):
Ulster 6
Leinster 3
Munster 0